Youth Veterinarian Initiative

MS. BELLADONNA’S LAB
by Danielle Corbin and Dr. Tori Ellis

Our YVI book club scholars had lots to say about Who Did It First? and Ms. Belladonna’s Lab!

Because the book critic evaluation assignment worked so well for previous readings, we asked students once again to rate each book and explain why they chose that rating.

We gave them the option of earning a bonus merit badge by drawing an image of one of the persons featured in each book.

ETOILE ACADEMY – Houston, TX

Etoile Academy 5th graders were delighted to read Ms. Belladonna’s Lab aloud to kindergartners and 1st graders at the school.  They rated this book at 3-5 stars, with the majority of ratings being 4 stars and above.  Their opinions about Who Did It First? were more varied, with ratings ranging from 1.5 to 5 stars.

HOLY FAMILY – Chicago, IL

Eighth-grade students at Holy Family read Ms. Belladonna’s Lab to other 8th graders who are not part of the book club.  They rated this book at 3-5 stars.  Many of their comments referred to the artwork and story line pertaining to meditation and mindfulness.  Four students drew images of their favorite character in the book.

Holy Family students rated Who Did It First? at 3.5-5 stars.  As with Ms. Belladonna’s Lab, several students expressed appreciation for the artwork.  Many were happy to have had the opportunity to learn about so many people they had not heard of before.  One student said she liked the diversity of the people presented in the book.  Five students drew pictures of their favorite character in the book.

MARION P. THOMAS CHARTER SCHOOL STEAM ACADEMY – Chicago, IL

MPTCS scholars rated Who Did It First? at 3-4.5 stars and Ms. Belladonna’s Lab at 2-4 stars.

Most of the students liked the quotes attributed to the people presented in Who Did It First?. One student said that all the figures presented were important and needed more recognition. One student liked learning about “the first women to do things,” and one student drew her favorite character in the book.

Regarding Ms. Belladonna’s Lab, a couple of students learned that pollution is bad for plants through reading this book.  Most said they found it informative and easy to read.  A couple of students commented that they liked the discussion of meditation in the book.  Two students drew images of their favorite character in the book.

6TH YVI BOOK CLUB & MERIT BADGE PROGRAM ZOOM CALL – April 29, 2023

Holy Family students discussed their opinions about both books and talked about how their classmates received the read-aloud of Ms. Belladonna’s Lab.  They appreciated the opportunity to speak with Danielle Corbin and Dr. Tori Ellis, the authors of the book, both of whom attended this session.

Conversation turned to the professions the students want to pursue when they finish school. Ms. Corbin and Dr. Ellis gave the students advice on pursuing entrepreneurial careers, while WIF Founder & CEO Dr. Monique Y. Wells gave advice on pursuing a career in medicine.

The managing director at Marion P. Thomas Charter School joined the call near the end of the session to express her appreciation for what the program has done for the school.

To learn more about the Youth Veterinarian Initiative, click HERE.